Trump’s embassy decision: Praise amidst threats of war

Today in a historic Middle East foreign policy shift, President Trump boldly announced:

“I have determined that it is time to officially recognize Jerusalem as the capital of Israel…. I’ve judged this course of action to be in the best interests of the United States of America and the pursuit of peace between Israel and the Palestinians…I am also directing the State Department to begin preparation to move the American Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.”

In every country worldwide, the U.S. respects the choice of the nation state and locates its embassy in the capital. However, the U.S. Embassy in Israel has remained in Tel Aviv, despite the fact that Israel designates Jerusalem as its capital and despite the fact that Congress voted to move the embassy to Jerusalem. President Trump’s decision to recognize Jerusalem as Israel’s capital aligns U.S. presence with the reality that Jerusalem is home to Israel’s legislature, Supreme Court, President’s office, and Prime Minister’s office.

+ + A declaration of war?”

While Israelis celebrate the announcement that is long overdue, some Middle East leaders threatened retaliation.

Palestinian leaders warned the move could have dangerous consequences. A Palestinian envoy said of Trump, “He is declaring war in the Middle East.” Hamas leaders called for a day of rage. In Gaza, demonstrators chanted “Death to America”, “Death to Israel,” and “Down with Trump.”

A Turkish government official declared that President Trump “is plunging the region and the world into a fire with no end in sight.” The Turkish President immediately called for a summit of Islamic leaders next week.

President Trump is now facing an unprecedented barrage of threats and criticism from Arab, Palestinian, and Islamic leaders, pro-Palestinian factions, the United Nations, the far left, the liberal media, and forces inside our own government for his administration’s bold acknowledgement of Jerusalem as the undivided and eternal capital of Israel coupled with his promise to move the U.S. Embassy from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem.

Christians in Defense of Israel has launched a nationwide campaign to support the President as he faces this onslaught of attacks. We are calling on grassroots citizens to join together in issuing a strong “Vote Of Confidence” for the President.

We want to rally at least 25,000 citizens to sign this important “Vote Of Confidence” this month so we can deliver this message to President Trump in early 2018!

The Jerusalem Embassy Act of 1995 overwhelmingly passed the Senate and House. The Act called for the U.S. Embassy in Israel to be moved to Jerusalem. However, the law was never implemented because of opposition from former Presidents Clinton, Bush, and Obama, each signing waivers delaying the move. President Trump reminded everyone that we cannot continue the same policies and expect different results. He said, “This is the right thing to do.”

The proclamation fulfills President Trump’s campaign promise, one that Christians in Defense of Israel has petitioned the White House, Congress, and administration officials to enact. And last May, approximately 60 Christian leaders, representing 60 million Christians across America, signed a letter that was delivered to President Trump calling on him to move the U.S. Embassy.

King David established Jerusalem as the capital of Israel 3,000 years ago. It has been, is, and will remain the capital of Israel. It is time America recognized the obvious. I am pleased with President Trump’s announcement.

Today, let’s join together to support President Trump in doing the right thing!

Thank you for joining with with us!

God bless you. God bless the USA. God bless Israel.

Mat Staver, PresidentChristians in Defense of Israel

P.S. In announcing this historic Middle East policy shift, the President remarked, “Peace is never beyond the grasp of those willing to reach it,” yet he is being excoriated by unbending Middle East leaders and his adversaries in America.